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You’ve negotiated a successful offer, resolved all the inspections items, and have received your Clear To Close. You are so close to ownership that you can feel the new keys in your hand. The only thing standing between you and moving into your new home is the closing table.
The following is Frequently Asked Questions about What Happens at a Closing in Florida…

WHAT IS CLOSING?

Closing (also called settlement) is the legal transfer of property ownership. Usually, but not always, possession is transferred at closing.

WHO ATTENDS CLOSINGS?

Face-to-face closings are common in most states, although Florida does not require them. Your Realtor can provide details for your situation. Since Florida has many Foreign Buyers and Sellers, you have the option of doing a “Mail Away”.
The participants usually include:• You, the buyer.• The seller.• The real estate agents representing the buyer(s)and seller(s).• The closing agent, the title insurance representative, and the escrow agent. Often one person fulfills all three roles, coordinating and recording the exchange of the documents and money, disbursing funds, and handling various closing details.

WHERE IS CLOSING HELD?

Closings are usually held at a title company’s office (in Florida, it’s typical for the seller to choose the title company since they pay for the title insurance). Their job is to confirm the current legal owner of the property, reveal any mortgages, liens, judgments or unpaid taxes on the property, and identify any restrictions that may affect the sale of the property.Any problems need to be corrected before a buyer can receive “clear title.”

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Your Realtor can advise you on what you’ll need to bring to closing, but typically buyers must provide:• Payment of closing costs• Proof of insurance• Photo ID

WHAT HAPPENS AT CLOSING?
You’ll sign many documents. Rely on your Realtor to review these documents and answer any questions you may have. Frequently-used documents include:

Truth in Lending statement – a final summary of the terms of your loan

Mortgage note – a legal obligation to repay the lender according to stated terms

Deed of trust – the legal transfer of ownership; gives the lender a claim against your home if you fail to meet the terms of the mortgage note

Affidavits – any binding statements by the buyer or seller

Riders – any contract amendments that impact your rights

Any additional documents required in your state.

Once all documents are signed and all monies have been paid and dispersed, possession is transferred and you receive the keys to your new home. Be sure to keep your closing documents in a safe place for future reference. Some of the expenses associated with your home purchase are tax-deductible.